Project Grant R01MH131651

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) awarded a $1,537,147 Project Grant (CFDA 93.242 Mental Health Research Grants) to the Centre De Recherche De L'Hopital Douglas, an international non-profit organization, to quantify the endocannabinoid rate-limiting enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in young adults with major depression and recent suicide attempts. The goal is to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of depression and suicidal behaviors, which could identify new therapeutic targets. The researchers will compare FAAH levels in the brains of individuals with depression and recent suicide attempts, those with depression but no suicide attempts, and healthy controls. This study aims to provide fundamental knowledge about the neurobiology of depression and suicide that can support the development of pharmacological interventions targeting the endocannabinoid system.